Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are serious conditions that lead to prolonged hospital stays and have a high mortality rate. Given the life-threatening risk posed by aneurysm rupture, Santé publique France oversees the surveillance and prevention of AAA.

Epidemiological Surveillance of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Santé publique France has established a surveillance program for abdominal aortic aneurysms based on the analysis of data from:

• The National Health Data System (SNDS), particularly hospitalization data from the PMSI-MCO

• Medical causes of death from the Center for Epidemiology on Medical Causes of Death (CépiDc) of the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm)

Preventive measures against abdominal aortic aneurysms

As part of its prevention mission, Santé publique France provides information and recommends appropriate preventive measures, such as smoking cessation and lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

• Information for healthcare professionals

Drawing on its surveillance program for abdominal aortic aneurysms, Santé publique France has published two articles, one in 2015 in the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin and the other in 2017 in the International Journal of Cardiology. These articles analyze trends in hospitalizations and mortality related to abdominal aortic aneurysms in France between 2000 and 2013.

• Information for the general public

Santé publique France provides the general public with several websites outlining health and dietary guidelines. These sites promote smoking cessation, a varied and balanced diet, regular physical activity, and reducing sedentary behavior. 

Santé publique France has also produced a brochure on the risks of smoking and the benefits of quitting.